RGGI is a cooperative effort among the states of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont (RGGI states) to cap and reduce power sector CO2 emissions. RGGI is the nationís first mandatory, market-based CO2 emissions reduction program. Within the RGGI states, fossil-fuel-fired electric power generators with a capacity of 25 megawatts or greater must hold allowances equal to their CO2 emissions over each three-year control period. Generators must also hold allowances equal to 50% of their emissions during each interim control period (the first two calendar years of each three-year control period). The current three-year control period is January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2020.

Connecticut has received over $198.5 million in auction proceeds since the program's inception in September 2008. Nearly 70% of Connecticut's auction proceeds are invested in energy efficiency programs administered by the electric distribution companies and municipal electric utilities. 23% of auction proceeds are invested by the Connecticut Green Bank to finance the deployment of Class I renewable resources.

On November 8, 2018, Connecticut proposed an amendment of Section 22a-174-31 of the RCSA to reflect the conclusions of a thorough program review process conducted by the RGGI states and stakeholders in accordance with a RGGI Memorandum of Understanding, and completed in December of 2017. The program review sought to continue the goal of effectively reducing CO2 emissions while providing benefits to consumers and the region, and to address the issue of overcapacity of allowances relative to actual emission levels in the region.

The proposed amendment of Section 221-174-31 of the RCSA and related documents are posted on the Connecticut eRegulations System under Tracking Number PR2018-020. Interested persons are invited to submit written comments on the proposed amendment on or before December 21, 2018. Written comments should be submitted no later than 4 p.m. on December 21, 2018, via the Connecticut eRegulations System or by email or U.S. mail to Debra Morrell, DEEP, Bureau of Energy and Technology Policy, Ten Franklin Square, New Britain, CT 06051.

DEEP will also hold a public hearing on December 17, 2018, to receive oral comments on the proposed amendment. The public hearing will be held at DEEP's New Britain Office, Ten Franklin Square, New Britain, in Hearing Room 2, at 1 p.m. Any person giving oral comments at the hearing will be asked to submit a written copy of such comments.

Connecticut's Adjusted Base Budgets for 2014-2020

Section 22a-174-31(f)(2)(F) of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies (RCSA) requires the Commissioner of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) to publish Connecticutís Adjusted Base Budgets for 2014-2020 on the DEEP's website. The Adjusted Base Budget for each year represents the maximum amount of allowances Connecticut may offer for auction each year. Accordingly, Connecticutís Adjusted Base Budgets for 2014-2020 are: